Former Indian football team captain Sunil Chhatri has expressed deep concern over the postponement of the Indian Super League (ISL). “The current situation is very worrisome for Indian football and players, coaches, medical staff and everyone associated with it are afraid and sad,” he said.
Future worry-
Playing from Bengaluru FC in ISL, on social media, he wrote on social media that he was constantly receiving phone and messages from players and staff across the country, which is expressing concern about the future. He said this is not just his personal problem, but the problem of the whole football world.
There is no new agreement between AIFF and FSDL
ISL's 2025-26 season has been postponed as the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) has not yet been renewed.
The Supreme Court has directed the AIFF not to make a new agreement with FSDL until the final decision on AIFF is made.
A 15 -year contract was held in 2010
FSDL and AIFF had a 15 -year contract in 2010, under which FSDL pays Rs 50 crore per year in exchange for broadcasting, management and promotion rights of Indian football (ISL and national team).
I thought it was time to fit-
Chhatri said that when he heard the news of ISL stopping during his vacation, he felt that he now had more time to fit, but when he found out that the suspension was indefinitely, his concern increased.
He appealed to all players and support staff to be patient and support each other. He expressed confidence that football would resume soon. The AIFF also said that it understands the importance of ISL, but it is forced to comply with the court order.
Sunil Chhatri retired in 2024. However, he returned after the team management was asked.
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).